Mr Hunt told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: ‘I’m saying this would be (an) incredibly damaging breach of trust and it would also be very bad for Britain’s reputation abroad, having decided toleave the EU, if we in the end for whatever reasons found we weren’t able to do it.’

He added: ‘If we were, as a political class, not to deliver Brexit, that would be a fundamental breach of trust between the people and the politicians.

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‘I think that is something that we would regret for many, many generations.’

The Foreign Secretary was speaking on the third day of \ debate in the House of Commons ahead of next Tuesday’s crucial vote on the prime minister’s Brexit plan.

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Theresa May’s Brexit plan faces an uncertain future (Picture: Rex)

Mr Hunt’s words were seen as a way to win over hardline Brexiteers who are not convinced by Mrs May’s deal.

He remained hopeful the plan would pass, adding: ‘What is important is for MPs on all sides, Brexiters and Remainers, whatever our disagreements, to say “We are democrats and the most important thing now is to make sure that we really do deliver Brexit”.’

Mrs May was boosted yesterday by two Tory backbenchers – her former policy adviser George Freeman, and Trudy Harrison – indicating they will back her deal.

Mr Hunt warned those wishing to stay in the EU they may not be able to rely on the clock ticking down to the default option of a no-deal Brexit on March 29 if Mrs May’s deal is voted down.